Today’s high school career and technical programs look different than those of generations past. Now viewed as a key part of high school curriculum offerings, these programs have grown in rigor and enrollment. Once thought to be geared for students who were not continuing on with a post-secondary education, career and technical education programs today are geared toward preparing high school students for college and post-college careers. These are 21st century careers that are often in high demand and can command high wages.
The curriculum breadth has grown as well; students can now choose from courses in business, law, health sciences, culinary arts, web design, construction management, and much more. Learning is typically project-based, and most students pursue school-to-work or co-op opportunities that allow them to gain hands-on experience while earning credits toward graduation.
Business and industry is welcoming this resurgence and its focus because it produces job candidates who possess ”real-world” experience and acquired skills, like creative problem solving, which are often necessary in the work environment. Many business and civic leaders are involved in helping shape local career and technical education programs. They recognize the value of supporting a program that produces graduates who are poised for future success and who may return to their communities to work after college graduation.
Whether you’re currently a high school junior or senior or the parent of one, if you haven’t explored your high school’s career and technical education program, do so soon. It could make a big difference in preparing you or your child for today’s competitive and global workplace.
Showing posts with label co-op education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label co-op education. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, June 29, 2012
Co-Op Education Can Make It Easier to Transition to the Workplace
Cooperative education, or “co-op” education, combines education with practical work experience. Co-op education programs are offered at the high school and college
level. Some institutions have built strong reputations for being co-op focused; in fact, it’s what sets them apart, for example Georgia Institute of Technology or Kettering University in Michigan.
Co-op programs enable students to gain academic credit, and in some cases, modest compensation, in return for their work. There are different co-op work arrangements; one of the most common involves an alternating schedule between class-course semesters and work semesters. Another popular co-op arrangement has students taking a few courses while working simultaneously. Some co-op programs are summer-based only: students work during the summer break and then returns to school in the fall.
Most of these programs try to place students in jobs that are related to their areas of study and fields of interest. Some may require students to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and may only consider students who exhibit certain desirable traits, such as leadership or an interest in community involvement. Co-op students are typically matched with faculty advisors who work with the students to set individual co-op goals and monitor and evaluate student performance.
Through a co-op education, students can gain valuable job skills that are desirable to employers, like critical thinking, problem solving, organization, time management, and teamwork. Students can also acquire skills that can be helpful in a future job search, for example creating a resume and interviewing.
In summary, a co-op education is a great way for students to make the connection between the classroom and the work world while testing their skills and aptitudes as they explore a field of interest.
Co-op programs enable students to gain academic credit, and in some cases, modest compensation, in return for their work. There are different co-op work arrangements; one of the most common involves an alternating schedule between class-course semesters and work semesters. Another popular co-op arrangement has students taking a few courses while working simultaneously. Some co-op programs are summer-based only: students work during the summer break and then returns to school in the fall.
Most of these programs try to place students in jobs that are related to their areas of study and fields of interest. Some may require students to maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and may only consider students who exhibit certain desirable traits, such as leadership or an interest in community involvement. Co-op students are typically matched with faculty advisors who work with the students to set individual co-op goals and monitor and evaluate student performance.
Through a co-op education, students can gain valuable job skills that are desirable to employers, like critical thinking, problem solving, organization, time management, and teamwork. Students can also acquire skills that can be helpful in a future job search, for example creating a resume and interviewing.
In summary, a co-op education is a great way for students to make the connection between the classroom and the work world while testing their skills and aptitudes as they explore a field of interest.
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